Matrix game

ABSTRACT

A game which is played on a matrix having three columns and three rows. Numbers are positioned in at least some of the positions in the matrix. The players may select the numbers in the matrix. A game which has similarities to BINGO or other matrix games, but which is faster and which provides additional variables and player participation is thereby provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to games and more particularly tobingo and games similar to bingo.

[0003] 2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Classic bingo, as the game is commonly played is purely a game ofchance that incorporates the actual name “BINGO” as five separatedistinct letters that are aligned with an assigned to fifteen separatenumbers in and as part of each actual letter. The name “BINGO” appearsboth as a work and as a separately designated letter symbols at the topof every bingo card. Each letter is the guide call to each verticalcolumn of five possible numbers from the fifteen assigned to each letteron any and all cards. The only other constant is “FREE” space in thecenter of each and every bingo card designated by the actual word symbol“FREE”.

[0005] Even though the “FREE” designation space is under the letter “N”,there are still fifteen separate distinct call numbers from thirty-oneto forty-five even though only four number spaces are useable for play.

[0006] Traditionally, a bingo caller uses a mechanical and/or electronicdraw to achieve the called letter number. The winner or winners aredetermined by covering only the numbers under the called letter in theword “BINGO” that completes or accomplishes a designated pattern on aspecific game played. Even though the separate letters of the word“BINGO” at the top of every card along with the “FREE” space in thecenter of every card are constant (always and ever present and part of)designations and symbols used in every game of “BINGO”, they do notdetermine a winner. Only combinations and patterns of numbers determinewinners.

[0007] Even though bingo is a widely played and popular game, variousplayers may enjoy functions which could be performed by the players andallow them to be more active participants.

[0008] There is, therefore, a need for a game which, although similar tobingo, allows for a faster more active game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is a method of playing a game whichincludes the steps of:

[0010] (a) providing a first matrix having an array consisting of atleast two columns of elements and at least two rows of elements, saidcolumns and rows being arranged such that each of said elements issimultaneously included in one of said columns and one of said rows andis positioned adjacent to at least one of said elements so as to formprimary predesignated sets of elements each of the elements in saidprimary predesignated sets being adjacent to at least one other of saidelements in its said set and at least one of the columns has adesignation selected form a first class of designation selected from acombination of said first class of designations and a second class ofdesignations wherein the designation from the first class ofdesignations is based on a special relationship of the elements and oneof the designations used for the columns and rows;

[0011] (b) causing a first player to be associated by a physical meanswith said first matrix by having said first player assigned to a firstposition adjacent said first matrix; and

[0012] (c) generating a random set of elements by identifying aplurality of combinations of the first and second classes ofdesignations and declaring a winning combination if said random set ofelements matches any one of the primary predesignated sets of elementsand wherein if the random set of elements generated in this step doesnot match either any one of the primary predesignated sets of elements,further random sets of elements are successively randomly generateduntil one of said further random sets of elements matches any one of theprimary predesignated sets of elements and the first player wins whenone of said random sets of elements matches any one of the primarypredesignated sets of elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The application is further described with reference to theaccompanying drawings in which:

[0014]FIG. 1 is a schematic view of one matrix, which may be used in oneembodiment of the method of the present invention; and

[0015]FIGS. 2 and 3 are schematic views of other matrices, which may beused in the practice of this application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, this matrix may be used in a card or on avideo screen. In this matrix, the letters, i.e. “B”, “I”, “N”, “G” and“O” are used not only on the columns but also on the rows. For example,in FIG. 1, “B”, “I” and “N” are on columns and “G” and “O” are onopposite sides of a single row. In FIG. 2, “B”, “I” and “N” are on therows and O is on the opposite side of the middle row from “I” and “G” ison a column. In FIG. 3, “B” and “G” are on opposed sides of the bottomrow and “N” and “O” are on other rows with “I” being on one column.

[0017] Pick-N-Choose any two (2) numbers from any three (3) B-I-N-G-Ocolumns and one (1) number from each of the two (2) remaining B-I-N-G-Ocolumns. At the same time U-Pick numbers, U-Choose the DOWN or ACROSS 3BY 3 card line space (box) U wish to place the picked numbers. The two(2) number column picks must be placed on the same line DOWN or ACROSS.Once player picked numbers are in place in the chosen spaces (boxes) onthe 3 BY 3 card, the bingo headings and free space appear. Playersactually pick eight (8) numbers total; two (2) numbers from three (3)B-I-N-G-O columns and one (1) number from the remaining tow (2)B-I-N-G-O columns and then choose the exact space (box) location eachpicked number is placed on the 3 BY 3 card. No other speed bingo gamelets you Pick-N-Choose the exact bingo numbers and card's space (box)location.

[0018] Players are unable to activate a 3 BY 3 bingo card if improperDOWN and ACROSS number or space (box) alignment is not chosen correctly.If a player makes a mistake selecting Pick-N-Choose numbers and cardspace (box) location of numbers, the electronic program enforces thegame rules. Once the numbers and bingo Spaces (boxes) are in properalignment on a 3 BY 3 card, the free space and DOWN and ACROSS headingsappear. You can play the card or drop the card to Pick-N-Choose numbersand cards by touching the drop card button. Once players have selectedtheir numbers and card space (box) locations, players enter that cardfor the next game by touching the play button. This activates that cardin the next gave and $0.25 is deducted at that time from playerscredits. Players can play one (1) card or up to four (4) cards in anyone (1) game, for $0.25 per card. Players can also pay an additional$0.25 progressive jackpot fee per card. If one plays the progressivejackpot, “ALL” played cards are charged $0.25 per card, additionally,the $0.25 per card progressive jackpot fee amount must be available andpaid for “ALL” played cards. If a player activates the progressivejackpot in any gave “ALL” played cards pay $0.25 per card. The money isdeducted automatically for “ALL” cards played in that game. For example,if a player is playing three (3) cards, $0.75 has been paid to play that3 BY 3 bingo game, and if player elects to play progressive jackpot, anadditional $0.75 is automatically deducted from credits when theprogressive jackpot button is touched or activated in that game. Ifplayer has only $0.50 worth of credits, the progressive jackpot featurewill not activate until enough credits are available to play progressivejackpot on all three (3) played cards as demonstrated in this instance.

[0019] 3 BY 3 Pick-N-Choose is an exciting bingo game that allowsplayers to pick a fixed variation of eight (8) Bingo numbers and selectthe exact space (box) those picked numbers can be located on the 3 BY 3bingo card. The actual bingo game is played on a 3 BY 3 (grid) bingocard rather than a standard 5 by 5 (grid) bingo card that only utilizesall DOWN headers and a center card free space. The 3 BY 3 bingo cardused DOWN and never before used ACROSS herders (located on the side ofthe 3 BY 3 card) and players choose the free space location on the 3 BY3 card. This enables 3 BY 3 bingo participants to play high speed,consolidated three (3) spot in-line regular bingo. Regular 3 BY 3 bingoonly requires three (3) numbers or two (2) numbers and the free space instraight line to accomplish or go bingo. It also offers condensedspecial pattern bingo games, (i.e., cover all, X pattern, corners,etc.). The optional pari-mutual progressive jackpot is available on all3 BY 3 bingo games. The game may be played on Super VGA touch screenmonitors displaying activated player created Pick-N-Choose 3 BY 3 cardsor optional electronic Quick Pick cards. Players choose and can activateform one (1) to four (4) cards. The displayed cards and the bingo gamereal-time graphic video animation of each separate game generated (asthe game is actually being played in cybernation from start to finish)is transmitted and networked to card activated player terminals from adesignated central location. The system-wide cybernation programcommands and functions include and are not limited to the followingautomatic features:

[0020] 1. Activation or a player terminal by the insertion andacceptance of money into the bill acceptor that post credits for play atthat player terminal.

[0021] 2. A player terminal activated with credit will not display thetransmission of a game in progress or a game not played. Players cancreate (Pick-N-Choose) cards or change cards when no bingo game is beingplayer at that player terminal.

[0022] 3. The time count down is displayed as to when the next availablegame start time is assigned.

[0023] 4. Each game is assigned a start time for the next game at theend of a game.

[0024] 5. Each game is assigned and has its own game and sessionidentification number by date.

[0025] 6. The push of the play button and debit of the $0.25 feeactivate each 3 BY 3 card generated for play. The card is only thenincorporated in the next available bingo game and a paid participatingcard of that game.

[0026] 7. The optional pari-mutuel progressive jackpot is available foronly ALL played cards in a game for a $0.25 per card fee.

[0027] 8. There is a one (1) minute pre-game activation cut-off torecord system wide security and register the verification of allactivated (played) cards before the start of every game.

[0028] 9. The record and accounting of the played cards in every gameare computed for pari-mutuel prizes. Each individual game revenue andprogressive jackpot revenue are pari-mutuel pooled separately. Fees andprizes are calculated for each game separately as well as theprogressive jackpot carries over.

[0029] 10. The bingo balls are electronically mixed and separately drawnbuy a pure random number generator with no glitches. (No predeterminedor created bill mixes are possible or ever used.)

[0030] 11. The balls in each game are drawn with sound effects everyfive (5) seconds. The drawn ball is displayed with B-I-N-G-O columndesignation and number.

[0031] 12. The drawn number is shown while it is simultaneously postedon the displayed bingo board and daubed (covered) on every active gamecard until a winning bingo is accomplished.

[0032] 13. Accomplished bingo's are notified with sound and flashingwinner graphics with the dollar amount that has been won.

[0033] 14. Bingo cards that accomplish a winning bingo in a game arenoticed system-wide and the amount won is credited to the playerterminal where the winning card or cards were played.

[0034] 15. Prize calculations are based on pari-mutuel prize pool fundsas well as a separate pari-mutuel progressive jackpot pool withcarryover provisions built in.

[0035] 16. When a bingo is accomplished, that game is over and the nextavailable game start time is posted system-wide.

[0036] The game cyberation program and process accomplishes thefollowing:

[0037] (a) the system-wide terminal graphic player

[0038] (b) electronic commands that complete the card acceptance forplay

[0039] (c) calculate the mathematics and the administration of both thepari-mutuel bingo pool in each game and the ongoing pari-mutuelprogressive jackpot pool

[0040] (d) collection and pay of fee and prizes

[0041] (e) the network transmission and conducting of the real-timeactual game generated

[0042] (f) called numbers being automatically posted to the bingo boardand daubed (covering of called numbers) on active bingo cards

[0043] (g) notification of accomplished bingo's by location and amountwon; and

[0044] (h) full security and recorded integrity of each game.

[0045] 3 BY 3 Pick-N-Choose Bingo may be adapted to be a cybernatednetworked game engineered and systemed to generate fast play andautomatic card cover, daubing. Such a bingo game 3 BY 3 and systemprovide continual exciting high speed bingo in typical venues for suchgames such as Indian reservation locations or charity halls. The gamecan also operate on the worldwide web via the Internet. The electronicenhanced player terminals eliminate the need and waste of paper anddaubers while stream lining the game to one or unlimited locations withcomplete accuracy and total security for player enjoyment of high stakespari-mutuel high speed 3 BY 3 bingo. The 3 BY 3 Pick-N-Choose bingo gameenforces and permits player terminals to accomplish cybernation soplayers are electronically playing bingo at a location that is differentfrom the actual location the game is being conducted, without paper, andthat automatically daubs or covers the exact numbers called in that gameon their cards. Players gain immediate notification of possible andactual bingo's at their player terminal even though the game isconducted at a different location many miles away. The communicationnetwork of real-time interactive 3 BY 3 bingo electronically placesplayers in the same game from different locations by virtue of the samecyberspace location that the actual game is being generated orconducted. The 3 BY 3 real-time cybernation bingo and pari-mutuel systemconforms to the National Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 foroperation as Class II. Cybernation is the use of computers coupled withautomatic machinery to control and carry out complex operations.

[0046] Each game has a specific game and session number by date andpattern (three (3) spot straight in-line bingo, corners, X-game, coverall, etc.). All player-activated cards are recorded and registered ineach game the card participates. All player terminals are networked andconnected to a system-wide single electronic ball drawing random numbergenerator that allows all the players to compete in a specificcybernation game for a common pari-mutuel prize pool. Each and everyplayed card is charged $)0.25 and registered electronically in thatactual game. A $0.25 per card optional progressive jackpot is available.Every game is played on the real-time of the location the actual game isgenerated or conducted. An electronic random number generator balldrawing system of the 75 or optional 90 bingo numbers is securityactivated to accomplish the card registration and ball drawing in everygame.

[0047] 3 BY 3 Pick-N-Choose bingo incorporates the latest technology insatellite, fiber optic and high-speed telecommunications equipment tonetwork potentially thousands of player terminals in multi-state bingohalls throughout the USA or world. The pari-mutuel prize polls of thenetworked bingo halls will allow the offering of large, promotionallyattractive player prizes. This will surely increase bingo attendanceacross the country.

[0048] The 3 BY 3 Pick-N-Choose bingo game incorporates multi-featuresfor player enjoyment and confidence. Cybernation features of the networkcan be enhanced to customize pari-mutuel prize poll payouts andprogressive jackpots in each separate location or target groups (i.e.clubs, fraternal organizations specific fund raisers, Elks and Mooselodges). The game can be set to an exact payout or hold pari-mutuel poolfor a single or group customized location hall separate form the networksystem. This customized percentage payout and hold can be different thanthe networked game percentages with notice and security. The system-widenetworked games are set to the same exact percentage payout and hold toencourage cybernation conformity and larger pari-mutuel prize pools.Customized and specific organizational find raising pools are importantto the 3 BY 3 Pick-N-Choose cybernation program. Cybernation allows one(1) single game (generated) presentation for a multitude of separatepari-mutuel prize fund pools to stay (be located) in separatejurisdictions if necessitated by law. Horse racing simulcastsaccomplishes the pictured race transmission but does not complete orperform the program cybernation functions that the 3 BY 3 Pick-N-Choosebingo game invented.

[0049] Each played card for each game played is $0.25. All played cardsfor a n additional $0.25 per card can enter a separate pari-mutuelprogressive jackpot pool. If a player accomplishes a two (2) numberscalled bingo, it pays a minimum $100.00 progressive jackpot. An ongoingmini jackpot is also available out of the progressive jackpot poll witha carryover jackpot pool. A minimum of one (1) card and a maximum offour (4) cards can be played in a 3 BY 3 Pick-N-Choose bingo game.

[0050] 3 BY 3 Bingo plays straight three (3) in-line bingo (whichincludes two (2) called numbers and the free space) or special gameswith no ante losses or game drops. Every straight in-line bingo gamecard is a potential winner in two (2) called numbers. 3 BY 3 bingooffers pari-mutuel progressive jackpots in every game. Correct actualpercentages of pari-mutuel bingo pool winnings are always exact and arebased on the revenue generated in each game with built in security andsystem integrity.

[0051] Players can purchase from one (1) to four (4) 3 BY 3Pick-N-Choose bingo cards in any game for a $0.25 per card cost. (Aminimum card cost is $0.25 or up to $1.00 if all four cards arepurchased for a bingo game only.) A pari-mutuel progressive jackpotoption can only by purchased for the exact number of cards purchased inany game. (If a player purchases four (4) cards in a game and wishes topurchase the optional jackpot enhancement, player must purchase thejackpot feature for all four (4) cards. The jackpot option is $0.25 percard played in that game.) Player cannot split the jackpot feature oncertain cards. It is “ALL” cards played or none in every game covered(activated) by the pari-mutuel progressive jackpot.

[0052] Players activate a selected terminal position by inserting $1.00to $100.00 in the bill acceptor. Credits in $0.25 increments will appearon the terminal screen. Select the game you wish to play. Depending onplayer terminal bingo hall locations a choice of games may vary fromtime to time. If you are a new player, check with the hall attendantsfor assistance and directions. When playing 3 BY 3 Pick-N-Choose bingo,the player selects two (2) numbers from three (3) B-I-N-G-O columns andone (1) number from each of the remaining two (2) B-I-N-G-O columns, andchooses the placement (box) location on the 3 BY 3 bingo card. Once theplayer number choices are installed on the card (boxes) properly, thefree space and Down and Across headings appear. A player can change anycard by pressing the drop button and start the Pick-N-Choose procedureagain. When the player is satisfied with the 3 BY 3 card a touch of theplay button activates that card for the next game and deducts a $0.25fee from the players credits posted. Player cards remain the same on theplayer terminal until player drops that card and Pick-N-Choose newnumbers and card positions.

[0053] When the game is about to begin, a count down signals the timeleft to Pick-N-Choose. Once the player's card is constructed, the playerdepresses the play button, a $0.25 charge is debited to players postedcredits. At first it may take a few minutes to acquaint the player withthe Pick-N-Choose number and card selection process, but it is simpleonce the player is familiarized with the player terminal buttons and/ortouch screen. Player also have the option to hit the “quick pick” buttonon any card. The “quick pick” will actually cause an automatic pick orrandom numbers and card location for ready play. It's the same as theplay button, but player makes no selections of Pick-N-Choose numbers andcard position. The progressive jackpot feature can be activated on“quick pick” cards the same as if the player Pick-N-Choose the card orcards. Promotions can be used by giving free progressive jackpot play onselected games. The no charge progressive jackpot feature can buildinitial play on the game. A first two (2) ball bingo pays a minimum$100.00 when the progressive jackpot feature is activated on a winningcard.

[0054] The 3 BY 3 Pick-N-Choose Bingo includes any and all possiblenumber and card combinations for any and all number locations andcombinations in 75 number bingo and optional 90 number bingo on the 3 BY3 Pick-N-Choose card (grid). This game a 3 BY 3 box (grid) that allowsfor headings in any location or sequence of “B-I-N-G-O” Down or Acrosswith all the numbers 1 to 15 “B's”, 16 to 30 “I's”, 31-45 “N's”, 46-60“G's”, 61 to 75 “O's” and one free space in a box on the 3 BY 3 box(grid). The optional 90 number bingo game follows the same patterns onthe 3 BY 3 Pick-N-Choose bingo card.

[0055] When the time alert clock to start a game reaches zero seconds,the player cannot play any card in that game nor can the optionalprogressive jackpot feature be activated for play. The player canPick-N-Choose cards for the next game. When the game begins, the firstball is drawn and displayed. The animated mini-ball blower on the screenshows the balls bouncing and then the drawn ball comes up to the displaytray in that game. Noise of the ball through the tube is a suction noiseto a pop blow-up of the actual ball that was drawn. The balls are drawnevery five (5) seconds until a Bingo on the 3 BY 3 game is accomplished.

[0056] Player terminals NOT activated for a game do not display thegame. Terminals that have posted credits on screen can Pick-N-Choosenumber and card layouts. Once the play button is touched or activatedthat card is entered into the next game automatically. Player continuesto enter additional cards and have the option to add the progressivejackpot to “All” the played cards from (1) to four (4) in any game.Cards are locked in the network for the very nest game. When the zeroseconds run down to begin the next game, whatever games the player haspaid for is locked into that game. No more cards can be played nor canthe optional progressive jackpot feature be added. There isapproximately two (2) minutes between each played game to change anddrop cards. Player must always touch the play button in every game toactivate a card. If the progressive jackpot was activated in theprevious game, it will be automatically activated and charged the $0.25fee per card on “All” played cards when you touch or activate the playbutton. The same play is repeated from the previous game unless theplayer hits the drop button. What the player played in the previous gameis automatically played in the next game unless the player drops thecard. Then the player must complete all steps on the screen to playagain. The only time players are participating in a game is when theplay button for a specific game is activated and money is collected forthat game.

[0057] Once balls have begun to appear on the drawn tray, they are theofficial bingo balls and numbers drawn in that cybernation game. Theballs are drawn from the designated central location (home site)generating the actual game, and at the same real-time transmittingelectronic program commands to each activated player station thatcomplete the cybernation graphic result and effect of the drawn ball anddaubing of called numbers in that game. Bingo alignment, notification ofpending Bingo's and actual Bingo's accomplished happen in microseconds.The automatic daubing or covering of called numbers and accumulations ofwinning credit is all an automatic function of cybernation game play ofthe network. The transmitted generated game to player terminals isaccomplished by displayed graphics to the exact location and playerterminal the 3 BY 3 game is being played pari-mutuel prize pools arecalculated and based on the number of participating players in thatgame. Minimum $25.00 per game prizes are generated. The progressivejackpot carry-over pool climbs per game based also on number ofparticipants who played the optional progressive jackpots. The actualprizes are pari-mutuel pooled and posted on each game screen terminalfor that bingo game. Players collect credits that are accumulated bytouching the print payout ticket. Each player terminal has a ticketprinter or an attendant to pay players for the posted credits which tobe cashed in. The location of the game generation that is networked andlinked by cybernation real-time is referenced as the host site.

[0058] While the present invention has been described in connection withthe preferred embodiments of the various figures, it is to be understoodthat other similar embodiments may be used or modifications andadditions may be made to the described embodiment for performing thesame function of the present invention without deviating therefrom.Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to any singleembodiment, but rather construed in breadth and scope in accordance withthe recitation of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of playing a game comprising the stepsof: (a) providing a first matrix having an array consisting of at leasttwo columns of elements and at least two rows of elements, said columnsand rows being arranged such that each of said elements issimultaneously included in one of said columns and one of said rows andis positioned adjacent to at least one of said elements so as to formprimary predesignated sets of elements each of the elements in saidprimary predesignated sets being adjacent to at least one other of saidelements in its said set and at least one of the columns has adesignation selected form a first class of designation selected from acombination of said first class of designations and a second class ofdesignations wherein the designation from the first class ofdesignations is based on a spatial relationship of the elements and oneof the designations used for the columns and rows; (b) causing a firstplayer to be associated by a physical means with said first matrix byhaving said first player assigned to a first position adjacent saidfirst matrix; and (c) generating a random set of elements by identifyinga plurality of combinations of the first and second classes ofdesignations and declaring a winning combination if said random set ofelements matches any one of the primary predesignated sets of elementsand wherein if the random set of elements generated in this step doesnot match either any one of the primary predesignated sets of elements,further random sets of elements are successively randomly generateduntil one of said further random sets of elements matches any one of theprimary predesignated sets of elements and the first player wins whenone of said random sets of elements matches any one of the primarypredesignated sets of elements.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein thereare three columns and three rows.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein thefirst class of designations comprises letters.
 4. The method of claim 3wherein the letter are B, I, N, G and O.
 5. The method of claim 4wherein the letters B, I and N are used to designate the columns.
 6. Themethod of claim 5 wherein G and O are used to designate two of the rows.7. The method of claim 6 wherein one of the elements is designated asFREE.
 8. The method of claim 3 wherein the second class of designationscomprises numeral.
 9. The method of claim 7 wherein the second class ofdesignations comprises numerals.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein allof the elements except the FREE element is designated with at least oneletter and a numeral.